The President of the UAE Football Association (UAEFA), Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, has extended his congratulations to Qatar and Saudi Arabia for securing their spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This milestone was achieved during the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers, making them the only Gulf nations to qualify for the prestigious tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico starting June 11, 2026. Saudi Arabia sealed their qualification with a 0-0 draw against Iraq in Jeddah, while Qatar triumphed with a 2-1 victory over the UAE in Doha. Despite the loss, the UAE remains in contention for a World Cup berth through the fifth-round play-offs, where they will face Iraq. A win in this round would propel them to the final qualifiers in Mexico next March. The UAEFA has supported Emirati fans by providing large-screen viewing locations in Doha, ensuring they could cheer for their team despite limited stadium access.